History of Liverpool

Liverpool was founded as a port by King John in 1207. It was granted its merchant charter in 1229, which allowed the people of the city more control over their own affairs. Liverpool gained city status in 1880.

In the early eighteenth century, the celebrated writer Daniel Defoe made his way through Falkner Square in a stagecoach, heading for the docks on his European travels. Whilst in the city, Defoe noticed Liverpool’s booming trade:

“Liverpool has an opulent, flourishing and increasing trade to Virginia and the English colonies in America. They trade round the whole island [of Great Britain], send ships to Norway, to Hamburg and to the Baltic, as also to Holland and Flanders.”

One interesting development from this inter-European trade was the region’s signature dish, the stew known as Scouse and lending its name to the city’s residents, Scousers. The word is almost certainly of Norse origin, and similar dishes by similar names, such as Skaus, are still served in several North European and German port areas.

However, the most important factor in Liverpool’s growth was the development of North America. In Liverpool’s Sefton Park (well worth a visit), this is summed up on an inscription below a statue of Christopher Columbus, which says “The discoverer of America was the founder of Liverpool.” By the end of the eighteenth century, trade with America was so important that an American chamber of commerce was set up in Liverpool in 1801.

Today, the population of Liverpool is slightly less than half a million people. In recent years (2005-2010), there has been a surge in people moving to live in the city centre.

Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008, and this has put the city back on the European map as a great destination. Not since the mass hysteria of the Beatles era has there been so much interest in the city.

The Embassie represents a part of the Liverpool of 200 years ago. The Georgian district, including Falkner Square, is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the city. So base yourself here, and let the city’s past become part of your future.